Three Rivers: A Novel

Product Information

THREE RIVERS, Sarah Stusek’s debut YA novel, brings a fresh approach to timeless childhood themes of inclusion, forgiveness, and change.

She meets the mysterious Griffin in a bar and the two agree to make their relationship a no strings attached, purely good times and memories, SEX while he’s in town. The case itself was an enthralling one that will keep the readers on their toes. As usual, didn’t work things out and my heart was in my mouth as to just what outcome this story would have. Well played by the author for keeping it up his sleeve and keeping me guessing. NOTE – This review will be about the book, not Sarah’s abhorrent behavior towards a reviewer. Her behavior is between her and g*d; this book review is between me and goodreads.I felt connected to the characters, suffered through Althea's pain at such an immense lose of a loved one. The friendships that Althea has with her 2 BFFs is strong. Their support helps her through one of the most tragic times in her life. Bruised and battered emotionally she goes through life living for her dead husband and their child. He is her life line and her sanity. Now add in two other male suitors who are interested in the fair Althea as well as some secrets, angst, and a heartbreaking revelation that could turn deadly and you’ve got yourself a story! This wonderful debut novel by Chloe Barlow, takes you on a journey through the grieving process of a widow trying to find her way to exist in life. The story our author weaved for the reader is one of a woman becoming more than a widow and a man finding he's worth more than what his past dictates. (Althea) Tea and Griffen are such strong, bold characters of themselves, but they come alive when they are together. They spark when near each other and their romance is a sexy tale for us to watch unfold. Through this experience with a new man, Tea has to come to grips with the acceptance that she has been mired in guilt and grief all these years. Very poignantly written. The story gives us new beginnings, romance and some mystery. The author weaves an intriguing story set in Pittsburgh, PA. The beauty of this city intensifies the beauty of Althea and Griffen's story. If Pittsburgh weren't already my favorite city in the USA it would have been by the end of the story.

Aubrey, Althea and Jenna are three friends who are determined to get through this crazy world with the support from one another. Their bond and relationship is real and relatable. You will want to know these girls and laugh along with their shenanigans. Soul sisters from start to finish, these ladies are exactly the kind of support system Althea and her son need. This is an enticing coming of age story. That begins dark, yet grows into something I was not expecting. Stella has wanted to be an actress for as long as she can remember, and she has done it. She is part of a show and is succeeding in that part of her life. In every other part she is spiraling down a drain. Looking for acceptance and friendship in everyone she comes across. Being used for drugs and in exchange for a "friendship". This destructive behavior leads to a horrifying night, when one of the other castmates overdoses at Stella's home. Only…when feelings grow and an undeniable attraction and connection builds between them, what will they do? Will Althea give love a second chance despite the anguish and despair that she still carries? And will Griffin, a man running from his past, ever find foreclosure and love? Chloe Barlow has created a touching story in Three Rivers that takes place in Pittsburgh, PA. A loving and loyal to a fault wife, Althea, who loses her husband in a tragic accident. Guilt ridden and completely immersed in her work, she lets years pass without a thought of moving on but rather barely living through each day. Griffen has his own set of problems and doesn't commit easily, but he finds himself falling for Althea as fast as she fell for him. These two try to deny the instant connection that they have, the growing love that is between them. Althea not only had one real true love in her life she just might have two. But can she see it and will she see it in time for her to have her HEA with Griffen?

Everyone fends for themselves at Three Rivers. They pitch their own tents. They manage their own food, a week’s worth at a time, which they have to ration. They earn knives to carve their own eating utensils. Profanity is punished with “time taken off dinner.” Rich-girl-in-the-wild is a well-worn format, but Stusek brightens it up by making Stella likable. Yes, she is rude. Yes, she is entitled. Yes, she is overfond of the F-word. She is also funny and insightful. “I’ve made a career out of being uncomfortable,” she muses. “I have been followed by adult men with enormous cameras when I was just trying to get a meal . . . I’ve been criticized for accidentally agreeing to represent the wrong brand of sparkling water. I’ve been too thin and too fat in the same day.” That last line sums up a celebrity’s world. It also sums up a woman’s world.

Jenna and Aubrey were the best friends ever! Supportive, loyal and completely meddlesome. In the right effin way! I loved both of them and I am so glad to hear they will get their own stories (which I obviously will read). There is sex in this book. Great, super-hot, makes you swoon sex. It’s not gratuitous, and it only adds to the story, building on the relationship between Griffen and Althea. And Griffen…oh my…what a beautiful, vulnerable, sexy character he is; I love Griffen! The strong, possessive and steadfast emotions he feels for Althea make him all that I look for and love in a character. Liz Isaacson is an American author whose real name is Elana Johnson and focuses more on inspirational romance movies. She has published a number of books, most of them making it to the best selling list. Other than writing, her main hobbies are travelling and watching the sunset. Her love for cowboys, horses, ranches and the mountainside was the inspiration behind some of her books, the rivers ranch series. Being a teacher together with her passion made it easy for her to transition into writing amazing novels. As much as she loves to exceed her readers’ expectations by writing great books, having her teaching profession and being a mother and a wife presents a challenge and makes it hard for her to find time to write. Still, she finds a balance between everything and juggles all of it together. Her love for writing makes it possible for her to write anywhere anytime whether she’s sitting by the pool or lying on a couch. A heartbreaking tale of letting go and learning to love again. A jaw-dropping debut novel you have to read.” - Helena Newbury, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author. When I was given the chance to read this book a couple of months ago, I grabbed it, ran away and devoured it!

Floating Sauna

Althea’s…aka Tea… world was shattered when her husband’s car was found in the river after he was working long hours. She always felt so much guilt that she didn’t push him enough to get him to tell her what was wrong. She was after all supposed to be his best friend, too. She is the sole author of her books and finds her inspiration on reality television, which she considers crazier than fiction. Although her stories are fictitious, she tailors her characters in a way that makes them relatable to most people, since most people have some pain and mistakes from the past they find hard to heal. The personal struggles that people go through to find healing and figure out God’s purpose for their lives are the core factors in these stories. She finds the perfect balance between Christianity and romance by infusing patience, forgiveness, faith, love and acceptance in her books. She is working on another book, the sixth book of the series featuring some characters from the first book. It promises to be as thrilling and entertaining as the previous ones. Mind you, all of that wouldn't stop me from reading the next book in the series, if I got the chance :) Despite everything, I like these two, and the rest of their team. So, one night Aubrey and Jenna (whom I absolutely adore), convince Althea to go out, have some drinks and well find a man for some sexual experimentation. Baby steps they call it. Her girls are determined to get Althea to start living again.